Change. Everybody is familiar with the concept of change, and we all realize that it’s one of the few things that is inevitable – and really necessary for our survival as human beings.

In most cases, the change is so slight it’s not perceptible for many years. In some cases, the change may seem like it’s been coming for a long time, but its impact will be felt quickly.

This week, the ice road from Inuvik (where I live) to the community of Tuktoyaktuk closed for the season. For its last season. In its place, a new all-season road has been built and will officially open later in 2017. So now getting to the Arctic coast just got a lot easier for anyone who is thinking of coming up for a visit. And the people who live in the community and those who want to visit their friends and family there will have another option for travel.

A significant change. And one that has made me somewhat nostalgic – and realize just how lucky I am to have the chance to have the opportunity to live here. In the past few weeks I’ve heard a lot of stories about trips on the ice road, and I’ve been asked more than a few times about my own experiences on the ice road – which, although they aren’t plentiful, have definitely left their mark in my memory.

But can I explain these stories to people who have never been here? Probably not as well as I could. It’s sometimes quite the challenge, because the people who are asking me questions don’t have the same frame of reference, and simply can’t imagine the things that I describe to them.

Like the one road out is 782 kilometres (or thereabouts) of gravel. Like the fact I could fly to Europe twice for what it costs to fly to Edmonton. Like I’m nowhere even close to a Starbuck’s franchise. Like I don’t even need to turn on a light in my apartment at all  these days – any time of the day.

But not being able to explain this part of the world sometimes makes that even more special. And when people finally do come visit and see it for themselves, they get it. And that’s the biggest thrill for me.

I can’t wait to see who comes to visit me next…